Natural attractions of Istria

From time immemorial Istra has protected its natural treasure with love and perseverance, it’s a legacy that has passed down from generation to generation in order to preserve the beauty of the pine covered beaches, sun drenched hills and the beautiful azure blue Adriatic Sea. The sea waters around the beaches are routinely tested, the residents are educated on maintaining the natural balance, and conservation of the flora and fauna is a way of life for most Istrians. Nature too has rewarded the Istrian residents by bestowing the green gold on them by way of lush vineyards, high quality olives and the bounty of health foods that occur naturally in and around the sea in its natural unpolluted environment.

There are arrays of natural attractions that will delight any ecological tourist in Istria. From the lush jade coloured Brijuni islands to Cape Kamenjak, to Pazin Caves and Motovun Forest, there are many secrets that Istria hides in its fold. Combine with it the ancient culture of the area and you have the stuff dreams are made of.

The Brijuni islands are the most wonderful cluster of 14 islands in whole Croatian region. The air here is pure, the waters are uncontaminated and the area is mostly virgin, unexplored and beautiful. The Brijuni national park preserves the unique plants and animal life of the region and has interesting ruins showcasing the grandeur of the era gone by. The Cape Kamenjak is a montage of various shades of green, the meadows, the farmlands and the forests make it a haven for the tainted souls. Diving, hiking, biking and windsurfing are popular summer sports here.

Palud with its proximity to the sea and the abundance influx of water from springs, hills and plateaus, has a huge area of swampland that attracts birds from all over the world. The ornithological park plays host to numerous species of resident and migratory birds. Though the green belts of Istria are extremely popular, the netherworld or the caves of the region don’t lag behind in beauty either. The Baredine cave, Pazin Cave, Festinsko kraljevstvo Cave and Mramornica Cave are absolutely fascinating jewels of Mother Nature.

The Baredine cave is a magical world that is a treasure trove of amazing stalagmites and stalactites which have been patiently carved by water for thousands of years. Our Lady, Leaning Tower of Pizza and the torchbearer have all been sculpted to posterity in this incredible cave. The animals of the underworld are equally captivating with see through crabs, human fish and bizarre insects.

The Pazin cave with its well preserved medieval castle and an abyss in which the whole river disappears is a mysterious sight that inspired Jules Verne to weave a whole novel around it. Mramornica cave is a nature’s delight with its tinted dripstones and stunning 13 ft high stalagmites. The dazzling underground and quiet surroundings are perfect for tourists who want to get away from everything. Istria is an enchanted land that invites visitors from all over the world to explore its mystical, bountiful and beautiful land.